Zoom Button at work in a changing environment

Speaking at the Autosport International show in Birmingham last week, Honda racer Jenson Button pointed the finger at his car's aero design and components as a major source of complication for both drivers and engineers during the team's 2007 campaign.

"Our main problem last year was the aerodynamics," he declared. "They worked in a very strange way which was unsettling."

"At times we would have no downforce in the corners or it would be all at the front with no grip at the back. It was a very uncomfortable feeling. We got closer to negating that problem during the season but never actually got rid of it completely," Button explained.

His comments echoed those of teammate Rubens Barrichello, who had mentioned wind tunnel calibration issues a few months ago.

Things are now looking better at Honda for the 2008 season, Button claims: "We know our problems though and have now moved in a very different direction to fix them."

With only six points to show, gathered on three occasions out of 17 races, the Briton nonetheless found a positive note to say about the team's dismal season last year.

"In a way 2007 was a good year for us. If it had been another average season with a few podiums we would have probably kept going in that same direction," Button considered.

Honda chief Nick Fry also found good after-affects recently when he admitted that the team's very difficult season last year played a major role in bringing Ross Brawn into the Honda family, as the former Ferrari 'dream team' member was looking for a new challenge.

"Having Ross Brawn as part of the team will make a huge difference," Jenson Button commented. "The car won't have a huge input from him when we start racing this year, but the team definitely will and that is significant. There was the biggest applause when he first walked in at the factory and his presence has really lifted people."

"He has gotten to grips with our situation very quickly and is able to bring direction, which is something that we sometimes lacked. It's a great feeling to know someone of his calibre is part of the team," Button happily said.

Daniel BASTIEN
© CAPSIS International